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On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Nike Announces New Partnerships to Promote Equality in Communities across the U.S.

NIKE, Inc. today announced two new partnerships with world-class community organizations, PeacePlayers International and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. These partnerships, launched on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will expand opportunities and support for youth and their communities, continuing Nike’s strong belief in using the power of sport to promote diversity, inclusion and equality.

PeacePlayers International is globally recognized for uniting divided communities — leading with youth — through sport. By developing youth leaders, building relationships and changing perceptions, PeacePlayers is strengthening communities using sport as a tool to bridge divides.

MENTOR is the leading national organization in ensuring quality youth mentoring relationships and connecting volunteers to opportunities in their local communities throughout the United States. MENTOR’s mission is to close the “mentoring gap” ensuring that young people receive the support they need to succeed in all areas of life.

Today’s announcement of support for PeacePlayers and MENTOR furthers Nike’s long-standing commitment to create positive impact in communities, and support for equality for everyone

Image courtesy of Peace Players International

“We’ve always been committed to using the power of sport to advance equality — on the field and in life,” said Mark Parker, Chairman, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc. “Our newest partners in PeacePlayers and MENTOR put this belief into action in meaningful and inspiring ways that make a real difference.”

“We’ve learned from our work in bridging divides around the world that sport provides a unique and powerful platform for unifying communities,” said Brendan Tuohey, Co-Founder and Executive Director, PeacePlayers International. “So we’re excited to partner with Nike to help young people across the United States show that if you can play together, you can live together.”

“Nike’s partnership with MENTOR is an extraordinary milestone in the mentoring movement,” said David Shapiro, CEO of MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. “It’s critical that we close the gap for the one in three young people growing up without mentors outside their family and increase supportive connections for our youth. We're excited to have Nike’s support and voice in this effort.”

Image courtesy of MENTOR

Today’s announcement is part of Nike’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Nike will continue to follow the inspiration from our athletes and employees to uplift and bring people together in the following months and beyond. To learn more, go to nike.com/equality. Those interested in PeacePlayers or MENTOR are invited to visit www.peaceplayersintl.org and www.mentoring.org.